Monday, September 01, 2008

New Glasses

My brother Phil left this quote on the comments yesterday. Bears repeating:

"Hurry means that we gather impressions, but have no experiences...that we collect acquaintances but make no friends...that we attend meetings but experience no encounter.We must recover eternity if we are to find time, and eternity is what Jesus came to restore." D.T. Niles

It was my turn for car pool this morning. Today is also my Words for the Journey Writers Meeting.

So when I woke up, the first thought? Hurry!

Hurry and make lunches. Hurry and make breakfast. Hurry and feed the dog. Hurry and get through your quiet time. Hurry and get dressed. Hurry and don’t be late for school!

Hurry!

I did. Guess what? We were late anyway. It wasn’t just my lack of organization. I truly believe it was because I hurried. When I hurry, I miss things. I missed seeing the time. I missed enjoying my boy.

So after all the rush and before I went to my writers meeting, I sat and stopped. Really stopped. And I read the D.T. Niles quote above. And I prayed.

God brought to my attention that line that says, “We attend meetings but experience no encounter.” Okay God, I said. Go with me to my writers meeting and give me new eyes. Slow me down.

You know what? I experienced encounters. With my new glasses on, I looked around at the wonderful fifteen women writers.

I noticed differences. 5 blonds, 7 brunettes, and 3 crowns of gray and white. I witnessed the diverse ages and stations in life. Kids and no kids. Grown kids and teenagers. Elementary age and one sweet mom who brought her four-year-old girl and two-year-old son. It is amazing how although each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made, we are each created completely individually.

That’s reason for awe. If you take the time to look. With my new glasses, I noticed.

I encountered friendship. How lovely is that moment when you see someone who smiles at your presence, and greets you in sweet excitement to see you. This is reason for awe. As I received hugs and greetings, my new glasses saw friendship in a new light.

Lastly, my wonderful God showed me a clear picture of purpose. What a delight it is to gather with like-minded souls who want to write for God and who want to write excellently. It’s like we’re all on the same purpose cruise, complete with chocolate and warm waves and life vests to hand each other in case of rejection. I am in awe of a God who loves to dole out His purpose for us, if we but ask.

I am in awe of my Creator today. Don't need to hurry. Just slow down. And put on my new glasses.